Is it ADHD?
by Tariq M. Khan, MD, FAAP
Children have been in school for a few weeks by the time this article is posted to our website. Some of the parents may have already have had calls, letters, and meetings with their child’s school as the child may be struggling to learn in school and possibly at home as well. Although the causes of learning difficulty/disability are numerous, the recent buzz is about Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active. It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one or other times; but in children with ADHD, symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are largely unknown, but current research shows that genetics and family history play a strong role. Other known risk factors are brain injury, lead exposure, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight. Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. However, if present, all of the above might make symptoms worse, especially in certain children.
Deciding if a child has ADHD is a several step process. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD; and many other problems like anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities can have similar symptoms. One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. An important part of the process also includes a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child.
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. No single treatment is the answer for every child, and good treatment plans will include close monitoring and follow-ups. Some organizations that may provide information are CHADD and the National Institute of ADD. If families have questions about where to seek help, they should contact their child’s healthcare provider for further advice.